The weather’s getting colder, the leaves are changing colors, and there’s that crisp breeze in the air. Fall is creeping up on us, so take advantage of this weather and season. Feeling uninspired? Well, that’s what I’m here for! Here are my top five favorite outdoor fall activities.
- Apple Orchard
Who doesn’t love a good apple? They’re even better when you pick them yourself. Not-so-pro tip: After a frost the apples are crisper (my mom told me that). Edwards Apple Orchard has two locations, both being just under 30 minutes away from Beloit. On top of apple picking, they also have pumpkin picking and berry picking. They offer fresh-pressed apple cider and cider doughnuts. The Orchard also provides a good place for people-watching, especially in the busier season.
- Pumpkin Carving/Painting
Who remembers setting aside a day to carve pumpkins around Halloween with their family? There’s nothing like scrapping the gooey guts of a pumpkin into a bowl before your hands squelch through it as you pick out the seeds for your mom to bake later (please tell me other people did this too). It’s been years since I’ve carved a pumpkin, but you’re never too old to start again. Maybe carving isn’t your cup of tea; in that case, get some paints or some markers and do up that orange gourd to your heart’s desire. I’m sure my good friend Google knows where to find pumpkins, so ask them!
- Haunted House
This is for the thrill seekers. The risk takers. The fun havers (I ran out of ideas). Nothing beats paying people to scare you silly. Have you ever been chased by a deranged zombie carrying a brain on a stick? If your answer is no, you’re missing out. Fear Fest is about a ten minute drive from campus. Starting in October, it’s open from 7-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from 7-10 p.m. on Sundays. They have three haunted attractions, each costing 20 dollars.
- Hayride/Corn Maze
Now if you want a haunted hayride, check out Fear Fest; it’s one of their attractions! But if you want a more calm ride during the day you can make the 45-minute trek out to Deerfield, Wisconsin. Now the drive makes it seem iffy, but the activities look worth it. During the day they have a pumpkin patch, corn maze, some farm animals, and a bakery. Beware of the corn; it is possible to slice your hands on the dry husks (speaking for a friend, definitely did not happen to me). At night the maze turns spooky, and they open up their haunted forest. The haunted forest is a ticketed and timed event, so make sure your group gets tickets for the same time!
- Scenic Drive
Now you might be thinking this is a cop-out — an easy answer, if you will — but hear me out. If you get a little ways out of Beloit, deeper into our beautiful state, you can see the most beautiful leaves. Give it a week or two and when the leaves start to change, take a drive. I have grown up in this state my whole life, and as much resentment as I have towards it, nature is one thing I will always love and cherish. The fall is my favorite time of the year; the leaves make the landscape glow and burn with their colors. Not to mention, this option is free! Just get in your car, or your friend’s car, and take off. You can find a good lookout or just follow the roads; the leaves are everywhere.
Featured image: Betty Cavicchia’28
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